Rugby World Cup 2015: team-by-team verdicts for the tournament which kicks off in September at Twickenham - Telegraph Watch: the World Cup lowdown in 100 seconds Rugby World Cup 2015: team-by-team verdicts for the tournament which kicks off in September at Twickenham With 100 days to go until the Rugby World Cup kicks off, what are the prospects for the 20 competing teams? Who is in line to win the Rugby World Cup? (It's New Zealand, obviously) Photo: GETTY IMAGES England Stuart Lancaster has dumped bad boys Dylan Hartley and Manu Tuilagi – and could overlook alleged drink-driver Danny Cipriani on the eve of the tournament – but the truth is he has enough strength in depth to make up for those loses. Tom Youngs is a more confident lineout thrower with No2 on his back, and there is a raft of midfield options; look at the immergence of Jonathan Joseph in the Six Nations. That Pool A shoves together three of the top-six ranked teams, according to World Rugby, is unfortunate.

But England (fourth) are the best rated, compared to Wales (fifth) and Australia (sixth), and of course home advantage will give them a lift; it is interesting to note that of the seven previous editions the Rugby World Cup hosts have reached the final on five occasions. That their group is bookended by games against Fiji and Uruguay – when Lancaster’s side will know exactly how many points they need to notch up against the semi-pro South Americans – is favourable. And having beaten Wales in Cardiff earlier in the year it could become a shootout with Australia (who they defeated 26-17 in November) for them. Win that, and the pool, and they should gain an easier ride to the final (with a last-eight clash with possibly Scotland and then Ireland in the semi-final). With George Ford pulling the strings, England have sharpened their attacking potency, and on top of an impressive pack and the home-crowd roar they should make it to the last two.

Verdict: Runners up Wales The loss of Jonathan Davies is a blow, but added to that question marks hover over George North, the youngest try scorer in Rugby World Cup history (he was 19 years and 166-days old when crossed against Namibia in 2011), given that he has not played for Northampton since the Six Nations when concussed. Then there is a reliance of the fitness of captain Sam Warburton, who struggles to play too many games in such quick succession, by dint of his commitment to the cause. Kicker Leigh Halfpenny's fitness will also be central to Welsh hopes of progressing from Pool A, the group of death. Yes, Warren Gatland's side will be one of the most experienced, and they are playing a couple of games in Cardiff (however, not the ones against England and Australia), but they have a poor record against the Wallabies – they have won just once in their last 15 meetings – and were defeated at the Millennium Stadium in the spring by England. Group stage Australia An improving tight five means that the pack can no longer simply be given the Andrew Sheridan treatment, and are certainly regaining that hard edge with Michael Cheika at the helm.

They arguably have the most exciting backs too, with Israel Folau potentially lethal on the counter attack, although they do have a tendency to implode a bit too often for comfort. And their record of six Test wins out of 14 in 2014 suggests that the Wallabies might not reach the heights of past Rugby World Cups. Further, the prospect of foreign-based players like Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell coming back in to the fold, with the rules having been relaxed, smells of desperation and will surely be destabilising for incumbents. Finish behind England in Pool A and they are likely to be lining up against South Africa – a side they have lost to in four of their last five meetings – in a last-eight clash. Quarter-finals Fiji Since their famous 2007 win over Wales, one of the finest rugby matches of all time, Fiji have sadly declined. The win over Italy in June was promising, and in the 6'5", 19st 10lb goal-kicking wing Nemani Nadolo they have one of the most exciting players in Super Rugby, but a lack of funding and political unrest have seen the romantics' favourites slip back. Group stage.

Uruguay Last time Los Teros reached the Rugby World Cup, in 2003, they defeated Georgia 24-12 to reach a high-water mark. That was only their second win in their second tournament, and it is expected that the merry band of semi-professionals will hardly make a ripple in the Pool A of death. Group stage South Africa November losses to Wales (12-6) and Ireland (29-15) hinted that there may be cracks in the South African team. They did beat New Zealand 27-25 the month before that, though, in the All Blacks' first defeat in almost two year. So perhaps they were allowed to lift their foot off the pedal. Pool B should be straightforward for them, too, with Japan, Scotland, Samoan and USA considerably lower in the World Rugby rankings. The Springboks are second in that list, and for good reason. Topping their group should pit Heyneke Meyer's side against Australia, if England win Pool A and Wales fail to lift themselves. And they have the edge over the Wallabies (see above) but a last-four fixture against New Zealand could be the game of the tournament.

Semi-finals Samoa The best of the Pacific Island sides, Samoa pose a danger to any side. The Northampton trio of scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i and the Pisi brothers George and Ken are among the most dangerous attacking players in the Premiership and they will be incredibly tough opponents for Scotland. That is likely to be a key match in deciding who goes through to the quarter-finals along with the Springboks and the team simply don't play together often enough to make them a real force. Group stage Scotland With Vern Cotter, the New Zealand head coach who formerly masterminded Clermont Auvergne's attractive brand of rugby, at the helm, it was hoped that Scotland's fortunes would swing upwards. It wasn't to be in his first Six Nations, when they huffed and puffed but failed to register a win, even at home against Italy. There is more attacking guile, and centre Mark Bennett is one to watch, as is No10 Finn Russell. But can the success of Glasgow in the PRO12 translate to international success? They should advance to the knockout stages, but the winner of Pool A (England, Australia or Wales) awaits.

Quarter-finals Japan Made huge progress by climbing above Argentina and in to the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings in June 2014, although they have since slipped back down to 13th. Japan, the 2019 Rugby World Cup hosts, perform well against low-ranked opponents but tend to struggle on the big stage, despite the wealth of their domestic league which has attracted increasingly top-drawer starts from around the globe. Eddie Jones is a shrewd enough coach that his side won't be complete walkovers, though, but expect them to get blown away in the final third by the top-three sides in the group. Group stage. USA A few years ago they looked to be an up-and-coming side with lots of potential. Now though they've slipped back and endured a poor Pacific Nations Cup in 2014, in which they drew with Uruguay and were comfortably beaten by Japan. They will be boosted by the inclusion of Saracens' wing Chris Wyles and Northampton's Toulon-bound outstanding lock/No 8 Samu Manoa, but their main goal will be not to finish bottom. Group stage. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Zealand The defending champions and overwhelming favourites.

They retained their Rugby Championship crown in style last year, but will be disappointed to have lost both their winning and unbeaten records at different points in the tournament. They seem to have world-class replacements waiting in the wings for some of the game's all-time greats and Dan Carter started just one Test last year. They are a team like no other in world sport, with uncanny spacial awareness and more pace and power than the rest of the teams in this group combined. South Africa – and England in December 2012 – proved they can be beaten, but only an idiot would bet on it happening. After all, they have lost just those two games in the 42 Tests they have played since last lifting the Webb Ellis Cup. Winners Argentina After finishing third in 2007, Argentina have regressed. Their excellent performance at the Rugby World Cup in France was rewarded with a place in the newly renamed Rugby Championship from 2012, but it was only in their final match in 2014, against Australia, that they managed to notch a win. The game has moved on from their defensive, forward-oriented tactics that found success eight years ago, but The Pumas are catching up slowly.

Still, they are essentially in a group of four, playing for second place, and it's a weak group they should win. Ireland, or France, should be waiting for them in the last eight, though. Quarter-finals Tonga An ageing team, Tonga have nonetheless improved every Rugby World Cup and shocked eventual finalists France last time around, winning 19-14. They are wildly inconsistent though and it would come as little surprise if they beat Argentina but came unstuck against Georgia to miss out on qualification to the knockout stages. Group stage Georgia You know what you're going to get from Georgia. With several of their enormous powerhouse forwards plying their trade at some of Europe's top clubs, they will hit and bloody even the best teams up front and rarely let up. A 49-7 defeat to Ireland in November hinted at how for behind the Six Nations countries, even though they went above Italy in the World Rugby standings – they remain 14th, one above the Azzurri – after winning their fifth consecutive Nations Cup in March with a clean sweep over Romania, Spain, Russia, Germany and Portugal.

Group stage Namibia The Africans have played 15 matches at the World Cup and have lost them all, by an aggregate score of 974-144. Although there was a glimmer of improvement against Fiji last time around, that proved to be a false dawn and, despite the presence of the excellent Saracens flanker Jacques Burger, four defeats beckon for the tournament's lowest-ranked team. Their match against the All Blacks might well set a new mark for the biggest win / defeat. Australia currently hold that record, having bettered Namibia 142-0 in 2003. Brace yourselves. Group stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- France There used to be something enthralling and enchanting about France. The flair, the unpredicability: they would be unstoppable one match, dire the next. Now they're unstoppable for 10, 20 minutes per match at the best and pretty woeful to watch the next. They should advance from the group easily enough, but performances and results over the past 12 months have been bad enough that Ireland will fancy their chances of beating them comfortably to top spot.

Quarter-finals Ireland Back-to-back winners of the Six Nations, Joe Schmidt's side have moved up to No3 in World Rugby's rankings. So much hinges on the fitness and form of Jonathan Sexton, however. The fly-half's return from his Paris sojourn will help him intergrate with the new young backs more quickly, while up front the peerless Paul O'Connell continues to tell age exactly where to go. A last-eight clash against the runners up of Pool C should be straightforward, but from there it gets a little too tricky. Semi-finals Italy How long can one man carry a team? We may soon know the answer as the ageing Sergio Parisse seems to no longer be enough on his own. Italy have slipped down to 15th in the latest World Rugby rankings and in 2014 they lost all three of their summer games to Japan, Samoa and Fiji. They finished bottom of the Six Nations last year and only a tight victory over Scotland stopped them from receiving the wooden spoon yet again this term. Might be worth a tenner on Canada or Romania upsetting them. Group stage Romania Narrow wins over Tonga and Canada have been the highlight of Romania's 2014.

By qualifying for the tournament they've maintained their impressive 100 per cent attendance record, but their traditional forward power is dwindling and they have been replaced as eastern Europe's dominant team by Georgia. Group stage Canada Once an up-and-coming side, Canada have slid down the rankings and lost every game they have played in 2014. Their record points scorer in World Cups is the full-back James Pritchard, who was poor in his two games for Northampton eight years ago and has since spent his career in the Championship playing for Bedford Blues. It would be a surprise to see Canada come away with anything but four defeats.

Group stage FT Rugby: World Cup FT Rugby: World Cup England v Australia: player-by-player comparison of the England team at RWC ’87 with those starting on Saturday Friday, 2 October, 2015 Tournament offers 140 hours of live sport with an upmarket audience Sunday, 13 September, 2015 New Zealanders have a legend to live up to and an away record to improve Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 Rugby’s shorter form will act as a showcase at Rio 2016 Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 The fluctuating fortunes of the rugby point Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 Medics authorised to act fast to curb risk of serious injury Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 RFU hopes Springboks’ arrival in Sussex will boost involvement in the game Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 Scots punch above their weight in World Cups and in-form Warriors form core of squad Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 Ireland, never past the quarter-finals before, have a new coach and a fresh mental approach Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 Warren Gatland describes

 what advantages the modern rugby coach can pass on to the players Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 Les Bleus have conjured up some stunning performances in tournaments past but today look rather dysfunctional Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 High excitement expected at St James’ Park Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 FT editor Lionel Barber recalls the enthusiasms of youth and on balance is happy to be a spectator Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 Springboks may be among the favourites but rumblings over selection and the age of some players are growing Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 Nigel Owens analyses how the rugby referee has evolved in a modern world Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 Talent pool remains small by the standards of other rugby nations in Europe Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 Success would generate much-needed public enthusiasm at home for the sport Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 US rugby league aims to replicate the commercial success of the NFL Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 The strengths and chances of the other teams taking part in the tournament Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 England are under pressure

 to deliver this time.

Wales have the power but may lack subtlety Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 The rebellion that engendered the global tournament has given way to stability Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 Brett Gosper, World Rugby’s chief executive, says England 2015 profits will bring huge benefits Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 Strength of mind will be the key to how England’s talented but young squad fare, writes Will Carling Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 Previous You are on page 1 Next Video Welcome to the new FT.com. The same global insight. Faster than ever before on all your devices. Welcome to the new FT.com. The same global insight. Faster than ever before on all your devices. More from the FT Group Markets data delayed by at least 15 minutes. © THE FINANCIAL TIMES LTD . FT and ‘Financial Times’ are trademarks of The Financial Times Ltd. The Financial Times and its journalism are subject to a self-regulation regime under the FT Editorial Code of Practice .

Rugby World Cup 2015: Australia 28-13 Fiji - BBC Sport Rugby World Cup 2015: Australia 28-13 Fiji 23 Sep 2015 From the section Rugby Union Share this page David Pocock scored two of Australia's three tries Australia (18) 28 Tries: Pocock (2), Kepu Cons: Foley (2) Pens: Foley (3) Fiji (3) 13 Tries: Volavola Con: Nadolo Pens: Nadolo (2) Australia made a stuttering start to their World Cup campaign as they failed to earn a bonus point in their win against Pool A rivals Fiji in Cardiff. An even start saw Australia's Bernard Foley and Fiji's Nemani Nadolo trade penalties, before the Wallabies took control with two David Pocock tries. Prop Sekope Kepu stepped over from close range to extend their lead after the restart, before Fiji fought back. Ben Volavola reduced the gap, only for Foley's penalty to ease Aussie fears.

However, the Wallabies' inability to make their dominance count and score a fourth try to earn a bonus point means they are already a point behind England and Wales in a group containing four of the world's nine best teams. Michael Cheika's side looked on course to match England's four-try victory over Fiji last Friday after a clinical first-half performance. But, after scoring their third try within seconds of the restart, Australia lost their way as Fiji battled back with their free-flowing attacking approach. Aussies among favourites Holders New Zealand are the overwhelming favourites to defend their title, but the Wallabies have been touted as the team most likely to stop the All Blacks. Australia have made great strides since Cheika took over last year, with the 48-year-old coach tightening up the Wallabies scrum, while refusing to compromise their adventurous attacking play. And a ruthless performance in the opening 40 minutes at the Millennium Stadium seemed to justify Australian expectations of mounting a realistic challenge to lift their third World Cup. Former Wales scrum-half Rob Jones on BBC Radio 5 live: "I thought Australia were fantastic in the first half and early in the second. They controlled the game. Their set-piece is far better than we've seen in the past.

They look a very accomplished side. "They've got a lot of depth; they've got good quality players on the sidelines ready to come in. They were pressurised in the second half but they worked hard and defended well. "It was the Fiji of old in the second half, with good handling and footwork. But Australia's defensive work has managed to keep them out - and this result is going to pretty much put Fiji out of any contention of going through." After weathering early pressure, Cheika's side began to use their kicking game to pin back the Fijians and took control when Pocock twice finished driving mauls. The Wallabies opened up the Fijian defence three minutes into the second half when Kepu showed nimble footwork to touch down. But they failed to capitalise on this commanding position to win the extra point that both England and Wales managed in their opening matches.

Pocock and Hooper catch the eye Hooper (left) and Pocock led the Australia tackle count against Fiji, with flanker Hooper making 22 and number eight Pocock completing 16 Australia decided to select two open-side flankers in Michael Hooper and Pocock, with coach Cheika insisting the decision was "not rocket science". And it reaped rewards as both men produced impressive displays. The pair linked up well throughout, spoiling Fiji's attempts to play at the breakdown as Australia took command in the first half. Pocock, playing at number eight, claimed the man of the match award. Fiji play their part Fiji coach John McKee claimed before the match that facing Australia's high-tempo game might suit his side better than England's more structured approach. The Fijians impressed in the opening match against England, only to eventually lose 35-11 as the hosts' superior fitness and strength in depth told. They are known for their entertaining brand of rugby, but showed in the opening 20 minutes against Australia that they also possess a strong scrum.

Five days after their gruelling defeat against England, many might have expected McKee's side to crumble as Australia eyed up the bonus point. However, they looked fit and full of confidence during the final quarter, throwing the ball around as they tried to set up a close finish. But Foley's third penalty condemned Fiji to defeat, leaving them with a seemingly impossible task to reach the quarter-finals. Fiji enjoyed more possession than Australia More from rugby: For the latest rugby union news, follow @bbcrugbyunion on Twitter What they said Australia coach Michael Cheika: "I thought it was a really good game, and a good workout for us. It was physical. "I think at times in the second half, you could tell it was our first game in a while. The guys were blowing a bit. But we came through well. "We haven't thought about the bonus point. It's not Super Rugby, it's the World Cup. I had to ask the question if they had the bonus point here because I don't think they have it in the northern hemisphere." Fiji coach John McKee: "It was tough, we came here with high ambition and thought at our very best we could get a win.

"But it's been very hard to play England and then Australia five days later in two matches of such intensity. "To play a lot of good rugby in those two games and come away with no points is disappointing, but it will give the guys extra resolve against Wales to make our mark." Match stats Australia are unbeaten in 16 games against Fiji, winning 14, drawing one and emerging victorious in the last 13 matches. The Wallabies' previous four wins over the Islanders were all by margins greater than 40 points. Fiji have scored a try in each of their last 30 Tests, last failing to score in their final game of the 2011 World Cup against Wales. This is the longest such current run in Test rugby. Line-ups Australia: Folau; Ashley-Cooper, Kuridrani, Giteau, Horne; Foley, Genia; Sio, Moore (capt), Kepu, Douglas, Simmons, Fardy, Hooper, Pocock. Replacements: Polota-Nau, Slipper, Holmes, Skelton, Mumm, Phipps, Toomua, Beale.

Fiji: Talebula; Nayacalevu, Goneva, Lovobalavu, Nadolo; Volavola, Matawalu; Ma'afu, Tuapati, Saulo, Cavubati, Nakarawa, Yato, Qera, Talei. Replacements: Veikoso, Ravai, Colati, Soqeta, Ravulo, Kenatale, Matavesi, Tikoirotuma.

Share this page Rugby World Cup 2015 | Sport | The Guardian Rugby World Cup 2015 The England captain talks to Donald McRae about his greatest moment in rugby league and the way some of his union team-mates hid behind the media glare on him at the 2015 World Cup Published: 7 Nov 2016 Rugby World Cup year has yielded record profits and revenues for the RFU, which also posted a retained profit of £3.9m compared with the previous year’s loss of £6.7m Published: 14 Oct 2016 The 2015 tournament was a disaster for the hosts England, but the RFU’s farsighted legacy programme has boosted rugby’s health at home and abroad Published: 17 Sep 2016 With black athletes still sidelined, minister’s threat to sporting federations can help reverse apartheid legacy Published: 29 Apr 2016 Despite losing the England captaincy, Robshaw was part of the 2016 Six Nations triumph but he ‘will always have that scar of the World Cup exit no matter the success we have in the future’ Published: 28 Mar 2016

 The Harlequins full-back tells Donald McRae he sees some of his own traits in Eddie Jones and believes the head coach can lift England to a new level Published: 11 Jan 2016 England face exciting future under Eddie Jones and his coaching team Dean Ryan Eddie Jones has made strong decisions in appointing his backroom staff and if Alex King joins them with Dylan Hartley as captain his foundations will be complete Published: 31 Dec 2015 Wales v Fiji: Rugby World Cup 2015 – as it happened!

| Sport | The Guardian Rugby World Cup 2015 Wales v Fiji: Rugby World Cup 2015 – as it happened! An injury-hit Wales had enough in them to defeat Fiji though they did not have enough to pick up a bonus point Thursday 1 October 2015 13.43 EDT First published on Thursday 1 October 2015 10.15 EDT 13:43 Wales deserved that win, though it was not without some worries for Gatland. They are really going to have to work on their scrum before the match with Australia, though given they only had a five-day turnaround, the exhaustion of the forwards is probably reasonable enough. You’d imagine he’ll just be glad to get away from that without any more serious injuries. Anyway, that’s all from me. Enjoy the rest of your evening and thanks for reading. Bye! Dan Biggar’s perfect kicking helps Wales hold off Fiji fightback and move top Read more Full-time: Wales 23-13 Fiji That’s your lot, folks. Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton, Jamie Roberts and Ken Owens at the final whistle.

Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images Updated 13:36 78 mins Hook has had a couple of decent breaks since coming on. This time it has taken a combination of Seniloli and Tikoirotuma to take him down. The man of the match award has gone to Gareth Davies. Hard to argue with that. 13:34 77 mins Scrum to Wales. Faletau picks and goes but gets taken down quickly. Fiji then turn over in front of their posts and boot the ball clear. T’will be nigh on impossible for Wales to get that bonus point now. 13:31 75 mins Penalty to Wales. They kick for the corner. Fiji are blowing hard, it’s the right thing to do. Owens throws and Jones claims. Now it is Wales’ turn to get rolling. And rolling. And rolling. Davies picks and goes from 5 meters out. He gets to the line. The crowd thinks he has a try but the referee goes to the TMO. Updated 13:27 74 mins Biggar hobbles off with cramp. Priestland comes on to replace him.

Fiji have a lineout near the left-hand corner flag. They get their roll on but the offload goes to Priestland rather than a Fijian. If they had scored there it would have been a nervy few minutes for Gatland and co. Biggar and Matthew Morgan both receive treatment before departing the field. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images Updated 13:20 Penalty! (Biggar, 69 mins) Wales 23-13 Fiji Biggar hasn’t missed a kick throughout the entire tournament and he was not going to start doing so now. Dan Biggar maintains his 100% record for the tournament. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian Updated 13:19 68 mins Roberts charges down a Volavola kick behind the Fijian posts. It’s a scrum for Wales a few meters out. Fiji turn that and claim the ball. They look to be out of danger until they go over the top when they shouldn’t. Biggar elects to go for the posts. Sensible choice. 13:17 66 mins From a penalty, Biggar kicks for the corner.

Charteris wins the lineout and pops a pass to Warburton. He then plays in Owens who looks for the line but is stopped after putting his foot out of play. Owens really should’ve just looked to get behind his captain there and push him over the line. 13:15 64 mins Scrum to Wales. Davies puts the ball in and it’s a messy one. (Faletau is not playing well today.) The mess ends with Tikoirotuma coming away with the ball and making for the line. He, and a few others, are held up on the left and so Fiji try the right and Goneva. The centre is hauled down around the 22 and the whole stadium breathes a sigh of relief. 62 mins Nakarawa, by the way, must be one of the best offloaders out there. Leone Nakarawa makes another break but is tackled by Dan Biggar. Photograph: Huw Evans/Rex Shutterstock Updated 13:10 60 mins From that penalty, Fiji wade into Welsh territory. The try to attack via the hands but at the breakdown, Wales keep them in check and win back possession.

A few moments later, Fiji are back with the ball. Nakarawa strolls down the wing and gets within sniffing distance of the line before the Wales defence digs in and does their job. 13:08 58 mins Matthew Morgan is caught in possession near his own posts and Wales are lucky to get away with a penalty. Biggar kicks long and from the lineout Cuthbert breaks. He gets past the first tackle but not the second one. On the ground, there is no one there to support him and he is soon penalised. Alex Cuthbert is stopped by Nemia Kenatale and Aseli Tikoirotuma. Photograph: Jan Hendrik Kruger/Getty Images Updated 56 mins Another substitution. Baldwin goes, Owens comes. Updated Penalty! (Biggar, 55 mins) Wales 20-13 Fiji ... and he scores. That was a sensational kick from Biggar. Wales needed that. 54 mins Penalty to Wales after Qera was penalised at the breakdown for not supporting his own body weight. Biggar shapes to shoot, from wide on the right, near the half-way line ... Updated Conversion!

(Volavola) Wales 17-13 Fiji Just four in it. Should Wales be nervous? Fiji celebrate Goneva’s try and are now within four points of Wales. Photograph: Richard Heathcote/World Rugby/Getty Images Updated 13:00 Try! (Goneva, 49mins) Wales 17-11 Fiji Fiji had the ball in hand in their own 22. They take the what-the-heck approach and try run it. Tikoirotuma has it and he puts the foot to the gas, accelerating past a few Welsh defenders. He offloads to Nagusa who charges towards the line before popping the ball to Goneva to finish the move. Vereniki Goneva powers over to score. Photograph: Richard Heathcote/World Rugby/Getty Images Updated 46 mins Tikoirotuma breaks down the pitch. Fiji offload like there is no tomorrow. Bradley Davies gets his hands in the wrong place and knocks on. Penalty to Fiji in a great postion. Volavola misses. Sigh. Asaeli Tikoirotuma makes the break and runs at Dan Biggar.

Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images Updated 12:54 44 mins From that scrum Wales are pushed back and lucky to win a lineout. Nothing comes of it and moments later Fiji have a penalty after Jones is penalised in the breakdown. Volavola kicks long and this could be a good position from which to launch an attack on Wales. It could be but it isn’t. Communication is lacking at the lineout and Wales claim the ball once more. 12:51 42 mins They start by swinging the ball from hand to hand before Wales force Volavola to kick long down field. Wales return the ball and Fiji have it. Not for long though as Cavubati knocks on when trying to offload. Scrum Wales. 12:34 Half-time: Wales 17-6 Fiji Well that was frantic and fun, no? There will be more in a few minutes. See you then for that. Updated Penalty! (Volavola, 38) Wales 17-6 Fiji Volavola handles the pressure and pops it over the bar and in between the posts.

36 mins Scrum to Fiji, 25 odd yards out, after a wonderful break that carved Wales wide open following a drop from Lydiate on the Fijian 22. They win that with ease and decide to go for the posts. Updated Conversion! (Biggar) Wales 17-3 Fiji Biggarena does his thing and does not miss from way out wide. Dan Biggar nails another one. Photograph: Dan Rowley/Colorsport/Corbis Updated Try! (Baldwin, 33 mins) Wales 15-3 Fiji .. a try it is. In amongst that lot, Scott Baldwin touches down for the second try. Photograph: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images Updated 12:27 32 mins Wales win another lineout (on the half-way line) and Roberts looks to power his way to the line. He is held up and Wales are forced to look for another option. That option is Jones and he gets the ball from some nice hands by Biggar and Jenkins. Jones breaks past a few Fijians and passes it to Matt Morgan.

He replicates Jones’ run and looks to have a try before being held up and see the ball offloaded to Tyler Morgan, wide on the left, who is held up on the line by a some good defence from Fiji. Baldwin comes in to help his team-mate and it is he who has the final say, just about getting the ball over the whitewash. But wait. The referee is going to the TMO ... Updated Rugby World Cup 2015 - Telegraph Rugby World Cup 2015 All the latest news on Rugby World Cup 2015 in England, Sept 18 to Oct 31, 2015 Our experts' highs and lows from 'best ever' World Cup Carter writes another poetic script 'Domestic game has to change' Dreamlike final at Twickenham a fitting end to a glorious Rugby World Cup All Blacks vow to win three straight titles Hansen admits World Cup could be his last Best try? Best player? Funniest moment?

Steve James's World Cup awards and highlights Latest Rugby World Cup Pictures RWC 2015 declared biggest and best tournament to date Watch RWC 2015 declared biggest and best tournament to date World Rugby declare England 2015 the biggest and best Rugby World Cup ever with record attendances, reach and competitiveness. 01/11/2015 11:02 Tournament owners World Rugby and tournament organisers England Rugby 2015, have hailed the success of the biggest Rugby World Cup ever which saw records broken on and off the pitch. This included tickets sales of over 2.47 million, an official fanzone attendance of over one million, Wembley Stadium recording two consecutive Rugby World Cup attendance records and Bryan Habana equalling Jonah Lomu's Rugby World Cup try scoring record with three tries against the USA during six weeks of competitive and compelling rugby. The pool stage saw fans pack into the venues to witness some of the most competitive matches of any Rugby World Cup. Highlights included Japan claiming one of the greatest upsets in sporting history by beating South Africa and Romania staging the biggest-ever comeback with their win over Canada.

The knock-out stages saw some thrilling rugby which included Argentina's pulsating win over Ireland in the quarter-finals and New Zealand's narrow two point win over South Africa in the semi-finals. Re-live some of the unforgettable moments Team Effort As the curtain came down on a spectacular tournament, World Rugby and England Rugby 2015 paid tribute to the 20 teams, 19 match officials, 6,000 volunteers, 11 host cities, 13 match venues, 42 team bases, 15 fanzones and millions of fans who have played a crucial part in delivering a successful and exciting Rugby World Cup 2015. Over 2.47 million tickets were sold across all 48 matches, including over 100,000 child tickets, through official channels with an average of 98 per cent of tickets sold across all venues. This included 120,000 tickets that were purchased through the tournament's official resale service, a safe and secure platform through which fans could sell their unwanted tickets to other fans at face value.

The final ticket breakdown for the tournament was as follows: 85 per cent sold to fans through public sale 6 per cent sold to fans through supporter tour packages 3 per cent sold to fans through hospitality packages 6 per cent sold through commercial programme England Rugby 2015 has generated over £250 million in ticket revenues, delivering an £80 million surplus to World Rugby and a £15 million surplus to the RFU to be invested into the development of rugby. Global impact Record numbers of spectators and viewers have engaged with the tournament. Rugby World Cup 2015 has welcomed millions of fans to host cities, Fanzones and venues, including an estimated 460,000 fans travelling from overseas. Over one million fans enjoyed the 15 official fanzones, spread across the country in each host city plus Rugby, the birthplace of the game, and London's Trafalgar Square. To all you #RWC2015 fans, THANK YOU!

pic.twitter.com/N0hidMBj6W — Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 31, 2015 The final was enjoyed by an estimated audience of 120 million and the tournament's highlight viewing figures included a record TV audience of 25 million in Japan to watch the match against Samoa and 11.6 million viewers for England v Wales on ITV - the largest rugby audience in the UK since the 2007 final and the highest peak audience for a sporting event since the 2014 football World Cup. #impact Rugby World Cup 2015 was the most digitally engaged tournament to date with social media activity exceeding the whole of New Zealand's Rugby World Cup 2011 during the 2015 pool stages. Throughout the tournament, #RWC2015 was used twice a second for the duration of the event and over five million times in total, there were over 270 million video views on all social media channels, the website attracted 25 million unique users and the official App was downloaded 2.8 million times with use in 204 nations.

In a first for Rugby World Cup, fans could also engage with the tournament through augmented reality via the ticket design. Over 300,000 used the Blippar app to access unique content by scanning their ticket including match previews, view from your seat and interviews. The introduction of giant Twitter screens at Twickenham Stadium also allowed over 2,000 fans per day in venue and across the world to display their messages of good luck to the teams. Biggest and best World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Rugby World Cup 2015 will be remembered as the biggest tournament to date, but I also believe that it will be remembered as the best. England 2015 has been the most competitive, best-attended, most-watched, most socially-engaged, most commercially-successful Rugby World Cup. But this special Rugby World Cup has been about much more than numbers, it has been about the amazing atmosphere in full and vibrant stadia, the excitement around the host nation and in Cardiff, the unforgettable moments played out by the world's best players and the friendships that have been created along the way – the very best of our sport has been on display.

"I am a believer that great people make great events and I would like to thank the organisers England Rugby 2015, the host union the Rugby Football Union, Rugby World Cup Limited, the host cities and venues for delivering a special tournament that has had the teams and fans at heart, but above all, I would like to pay tribute to the volunteers and fans who got behind all 20 teams and who have made this such a special event, the best to date.” Celebration of rugby England Rugby 2015 Managing Director Stephen Brown said: “We congratulate New Zealand on their win over Australia to be crowned Rugby World Cup 2015 champions. The spectacular final was a fitting way to conclude the six week tournament which has been enjoyed by millions both here in England and across the globe. To deliver the biggest and best tournament to date is a fantastic achievement and I would like to thank all those who have made Rugby World Cup 2015 so special, from the players to the fans, our venues, cities and team bases and all our volunteers, staff and stakeholders.

Rugby World Cup 2015 has truly created unforgettable memories for all involved and been a celebration of rugby; from packed venues with over 2.47 million tickets sold, to over one million fans enjoying the official fanzones, and we hope that the tournament has inspired many to be part of this fantastic game beyond 2015.” The 6,000 volunteers who formed 'The Pack' have been the faces of the tournament, welcoming millions of fans to England and to the game of rugby. Whether it was directing fans from train stations or entertaining the crowds at fanzones and venues, their enthusiasm help deliver a true celebration of rugby. Across the tournament the 6,000 members of The Pack delivered 22,832 volunteer shifts equating to 238,995 volunteering hours, demonstrating the important role they played in the delivery of Rugby World Cup 2015. — England 2015 (@England2015) October 31, 2015 First rate facilities A total of 42 team bases across England and Wales were used during the tournament, providing the 20 teams with top class sporting facilities.

During the knock-out phases, the eight teams were hosted at four team bases in and around London and four in and around Cardiff. During the semi-finals, bronze final and final, the four London team bases were used – all four for the semi-finals, and two each for the bronze final and final. Transport providers played a key role in and around the host cities, helping to get fans to and from the matches, including 1.6 million train passengers and 1.4 million road users. Special train services were put in place for 250,000 journeys and 300,000 shuttle bus movements from city centres to venues. The Rugby World Cup 2015 Journey Planner was used 550,000 times to help fans plan their match day experience. In addition to the tournament, the Festival of Rugby 2015 was a great success with over one million people around the country joining in with over 1,000 different events to celebrate rugby's biggest year.

Highlights included the International Defence Rugby Competition, the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Community Festival, Rugby's Got Balls, supported by Rugby Borough Council featuring large-scale rugby sculptures on display across Rugby town and a HAKA challenge in Manchester. Latest Videos How many sides should there be in the Rugby World Cup? TAGS: Brett Gosper Rugby World Cup Now the Six Nations is over, all eyes are undoubtedly on the Rugby World Cup . However, there is a debate to be had about whether there should be more teams in the 2023 edition of the competition. The question cropped up when World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper said in March: “As the sport grows and we conquer new markets the discussion is about looking towards expanding (of the World Cup), rather than contracting.” Undeniably money comes into it, with the word ‘markets’ notable. A bigger spread of team would almost certainly mean a longer tournament and more games to sell tickets for or air on television. New nations competing could mean more opportunity to advertise, with new audiences tuning in. However, we have to ask: what do you want? Maybe you worry that smaller teams would be open to shellackings at the hands of Tier One nations.

Perhaps you would like to see fewer teams, and a more competitive competition. Maybe you feel it’s fine as it is, with 20 teams involved. Below is a poll. Let us know how many teams you think there should be at the World Cup. This poll will appear in the May issue of Rugby World magazine. tokyobogue Should be 24 but added to this there should be a Plate competition for the teams that don’t make it to the Cup quarter-finals, like in a 7s tournament. It would give those teams something to play for and fill up the midweek lulls as the big teams prepare for the weekend games. Teams like Japan or Georgia are not going to win the cup any time soon, but this would give them a realistic target to aim for. Rugby World Cup 2019 Rugby World Cup 2019 Menu Cookies on the Rugby World Cup Website We use cookies to help make this website better. To find out more about the cookies we use, please read our Cookies Policy . If you continue without changing your cookie settings, you consent to this use, you can find information in our Cookies Policy about how to remove cookies.

Watch 1000 days to #RWC2019 #1000Days Join the Front Row now to get the latest ticket and event news for Rugby World Cup 2019 No fewer than 76 applications have been received from towns and prefectures the length and breadth of Japan. 11/01/2017 12:13 With 2017 being a big year for RWC 2019, the countdown is on for what will be a tournament for all of Japan. 22/12/2016 12:45 What do Wales, Tonga and Switzerland have in common? They're all climbers in the World Rugby Rankings after this weekend’s matches. 09/07/2015 14:17 In his column ahead of the Dubai Sevens, World Rugby ambassador Rob Vickerman sheds light on a thrilling series to come. 09/07/2015 14:17 Confirmation of the date for the Rugby World Cup 2019 pool draw has focused the minds of the leading nations as another bumper weekend of international rugby lies ahead.

09/07/2015 14:17 World Rugby and the Japan 2019 organising committee have confirmed that the Rugby World Cup 2019 pool draw will take place on 10 May, 2017 in Kyoto's State Guest House. 09/07/2015 14:17

Question: How many rugby union teams took part in the 2015 Rugby World Cup?
Answer: 20